The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) announced that its signature philanthropic leadership initiative, Inspire Atlanta, has raised more than $650,000 for its Girls Empowerment Program.
The five-month program challenges 30 local women leaders to grow their impact through fundraising, leadership development, and community engagement. This year’s cohort concluded in May with a celebration honoring their record-breaking success.
Topping the leaderboard was Jesse Breidinger of Novelis, who raised $61,748. She was followed by Jacky Chaple of Assurant with $41,308, and Lovita Tandy of Krevolin & Horst, LLC, who raised $37,779. Close behind was Sara Shockley of Ubique Group, who brought in $36,449.
“I was amazed to learn about the true meaning and capabilities of philanthropy through Inspire Atlanta,” said Breidinger. “Seeing the transformational change that philanthropy can bring about is truly inspiring.”
Chaple, who also received the program’s third annual Spirit of Inspire award, was recognized for her dual role as a top fundraiser and a consistent motivator for her fellow participants.
“The Atlanta Women’s Foundation is a true catalyst for change across the Atlanta community,” Chaple said. “This program doesn’t just change lives—it transforms everyone who’s part of it.”
This year also saw the introduction of two new honors. The Awareness Catalyst Award was given to Sara Shockley for her creative and determined campaign that attracted over 205 individual donors. The Connection Builder Award went to Lee Burgess Sobel of WSB-TV, who raised $16,896 and helped foster strong relationships within the 2025 cohort.
AWF CEO Kari Love praised the participants’ collective efforts: “The women in Inspire Atlanta experienced tremendous personal, professional, and philanthropic growth. Their achievements help us build a future where all women and girls in Atlanta can thrive.”
The funds raised will support programs that focus on education, after-school programming, life skills, and access to mental and physical health services. For more information, visit atlantawomen.org/inspire-atlanta.
